”Hello Armenia”: Silverworks of Syrian-Armenian Vazgen find their place in different corners of the world
3 minute read
YEREVAN, JANUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. It is hard to imagine how Syrian-Armenian Vazgen creates small wonders made of silver on the second floor of Yerevan “Gold Market” – in a small room where two people find it hard even to move. It is interesting that Syrian-Armenian silversmith’s creations are mainly appreciated by tourists. During recent years Vazgen Aruchian has created his own statistic table of tourism development in Armenia: if the trade surpasses expectations in summer months, it means the tourist flow has increased.
“Europe, Canada, Russia, Iran… tourists coming from these countries mainly buy the jewellery that I make. I am glad that my jewellery finds its place in different corners of the world,” Vazgen says, adding that his jewellery is unique as it is exceptionally hand-made. He applies the traditional methods used when making silverwork which he learnt from the ancestors.
He arrived in Armenia 3 years ago. The developments of Syria are dubbed by him as “war for nothing”. He lost numerous friends, relatives because of the bloodshed the reasons and meaning of which neither he nor his friends understand.
“I’m a lucky man as I left my Homeland for my other Homeland. Syria is my Homeland, so is Armenia,” he says.
Vazgen was an outstanding silversmith in Aleppo and frequently 24 hours of the day were not enough to manage all the orders. In contrast to that, he has a hard time making a living in Yerevan.
Vazgen adds that the Arabs like the works of Armenian craftsmen, but unfortunately here - in Armenia not all the people can afford buying jewellery and the customers are mainly the tourists.
He states that it is not so difficult to understand the language of the metal. It requires a bit of imagination, creativity, a lot of love and devotion, as well as diligence. According to Vazgen, this is the key to success in any work.
“One must appreciate, respect the work he does to have the satisfying result,” he says.
Vazgen has found a recipe for accommodating himself to Yerevan life: an ounce of patience, optimism and a little bit of will.
By Hasmik Harutyunyan